In-test crashes 'to fall sharply'

The number of accidents which occur during driving tests is expected to fall significantly this year.

A new report put together by IntelligentCarLeasing.com found that there were only 20 mid-test crashes in the first three months of 2014.

If that trend continues, and 80 accidents happen throughout 2014, collisions would be down by 87% compared with just five years ago.

Last year, the number of in-test accidents already fell by more than a fifth (22%) compared with 2009.

The firm asked driving instructors why they thought accidents rates were reducing so sharply, and found that there are two main theories.

One is that those drivers with the worst record are now driving at a higher standard, and the other is that driving instructors are now quicker to react and take over control if the learner gets into a difficult situation.

Pete McAllister, of IntelligentCarLeasing.com, describes the trend as "hugely positive", adding that the drop bodes well for the future of British motoring.